VPP Eligibility

The items listed below will help you determine your eligibility for the VPP. Mentally check each item you currently have or are willing to implement. When you have completed the checklist, go to the SCOREBOX at the bottom of the list to see how your company measured up. Call the VPP Manager in the TOSHA Nashville Office when you are ready to submit your application or have questions.

Rates

Both the average injury and illness rate and the average lost workday injury and illness rate for the most recent three calendar years at the time of approval must be below the most recently published rates for the industry specific Standard Industrial Classification as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Safety and health protection managed in the same way as your productivity and quality are managed

A written safety and health program appropriate for the size of your site and your industry that addresses all the elements in this checklist

A results-oriented safety and health policy

Clearly assigned safety and health responsibilities with documentation of accountability from top management to line supervisors

Adequate authority given to carry out assigned responsibilities

Necessary resources to meet responsibilities

Quality protection for all contract employees equal to that provided for your own employees

Employee involvement in activities that have a major effect on your safety and health program

Annual safety and health program evaluations with written narrative reports, recommendations for program changes, action plans, and verification procedures

Worksite Analysis

A method such as comprehensive safety and industrial hygiene surveys to identify existing or potential hazards in your workplace

A pre-use analysis procedure for new processes, materials, or equipment to determine potential hazards

Routine industrial hygiene monitoring of toxic substances and noise

Monthly self-inspections (weekly for construction) with written documentation and hazard correction tracking

Routine hazard analysis procedures such as JHAs, JSAs, BJAs, PHAs that result in improved work practices and/or training for employees

A written hazard reporting system enabling employees to pass on their observations or concerns to management without fear of reprisal

Accident investigations with written documentation

Method of documenting all identified hazards until they are controlled or eliminated

Analysis of trends in injury/illness experience and in hazards found, to identify patterns of problems and to implement program adjustments

Hazard Prevention and Control

Access to certified safety and health professionals

Engineering and administrative controls adequate for the hazards at the worksite

Written safety rules and practices that are understood and followed by all employees

A consistent disciplinary system applied to all employees (including supervisors and managers) who disregard the rules

Written rules for use and maintenance of personal protective equipment

Written plans to cover emergency situations

Hazard correction tracking procedure

Onsite or nearby medical and emergency services

First aid and CPR-trained personnel available onsite during all shifts

Use of occupational health professionals in hazard analysis as appropriate

Documented ongoing monitoring and maintenance of workplace equipment

Safety and Health Training

Manager, supervisor, and employee training with emphasis on safety and health responsibilities

Training in the use and maintenance of personal protective equipment

Emergency preparedness drills, including annual evacuations

Documentation of all training received, including assessment procedures

Review

Your written safety and health programs and all documentation relating to the programs (see the most recent VPP Federal Register Notice) must be available for OSHA review

Concurrence

Formal signed statements from any collective bargaining agents indicating support of your application to the VPP

Where no collective bargaining agent is authorized, employees understand the VPP and raise no serious objections

SCOREBOX!

Outstanding performance in all areas addressed in this self-assessment may qualify you for recognition as an TOSHA approved Star Program participant.

Have Questions?
Contact David Blessman, Star Program Manager at (615) 253-6890 or via e-mail at David.Blessman@tn.gov for more information regarding the STAR programs or to obtain an application package.